The Schuylkill Action Network (SAN) honored DRBC Water Resource Management Branch Manager Bill Muszynski with its Kevin Munley Most Valuable Partner (MVP) Award at its annual meeting on Friday, November 13, 2015. This award recognizes the special contributions of individuals who have demonstrated special interest in and support for source water protection and restoration in the Schuylkill River Watershed.

Bill was honored for his efforts regarding the establishment, implementation, and expansion of the Schuylkill River Restoration Fund (SRRF). The SRRF, initially known as the Exelon Schuylkill River Watershed Restoration Program, had its origin in a 2004 DRBC docket decision and Exelon Generation LLC's desire to assist the restoration of the Schuylkill River Watershed by providing for grants for on-the-ground, ready-to-go improvement projects. In 2010, the Philadelphia Water Department began to contribute funds to the program, which was renamed the SRRF to encourage other donors to participate in the program. DRBC approves the projects that are selected for funding using the Exelon funds and is one of several entities that serves on an advisory committee that reviews and recommends the projects for funding. Since being established in 2006, the fund has collected more than $2.5 million and funded 73 projects.

Bill began his remarks by thanking SAN for this honor and praising the organization for its efforts. Formed in 2003, SAN's unique structure brings together federal, state, and local agencies, businesses, industry, NGOs, and many individual volunteers to work to improve the water quality of the Schuylkill River. The effective collaboration of these varied partners truly demonstrate SAN's value to the watershed. Bill explained that the great success of the SRRF has similar roots: it starts with a dedicated review committee targeting projects that are ready to go with funds from committed sources. Further, success begets success, encouraging new donors to grow the SRRF moving forward. Bill, who plans to retire from the DRBC as of April 1, 2016, is proud of the SRRF's accomplishments and is ever appreciative to receive an award from such a dedicated group of people who genuinely care about the recovery and protection of the Schuylkill River. 

Also honored with a Kevin Munley MVP Award this year was retired Schuylkill River Heritage Area (SRHA) Executive Director Kurt Zwikl. He too was recognized for his efforts implementing and expanding the SRRF; in 2006, during Zwikl's tenure, SRHA was chosen to oversee the administration of the program.  

SAN's annual meeting also featured updates from the SAN workgroups on the projects and activities that were completed over the past year and a focused discussion on the important topic of communicating watershed improvements to the general public. DRBC is a member of SAN and supports its mission to improve and protect the water resources and water quality of the Schuylkill River Watershed. 

• Learn more about SAN by viewing its 2015 Progress Report and by visiting the above link.
• For additional information on the creation of the SRRF, how it's managed, and its contributors, please click on the SRRF link in the "More Information" box.
• To learn more about SRHA and their administration of the SRRF, please click on the SRHA link in the "More Information" box.